The first week we arrived, we were kept off by ourselves so we could adjust to the barn at our own pace before meeting up with all the other horses in the herd that are already a part of CTR’s horseback riding vacation package. The barns are fantastic! They are very new and kept in wonderful condition with water readily available.

Then a week later, Brett turned us out with some of the other horses who were still at Colorado Trails. We could see they were very happy and in good health. It made us feel quite comfortable to be with them. We have plenty of food put out for us morning and evening and during the day. We have the run of the pastures so we can kick up our heels a bit. We really love the fodder system that Colorado Trails Ranch has for feed for their animals. It is like grain sprouts and we can eat every bit of it. It tastes wonderful and the other horses have told us that no one gets stomachaches with this great feed.

One day, Brett rode Sal over to the Rainbow Ranch to check up on the rest of the herd that was on R and R after a busy summer of providing guests with a great horseback riding vacation. Wow, it sure was fun to meet up with all the horses. The Rainbow has lots of space for us to roam. The next day, Brett rode Vinnie over to meet up with everyone. Then after a few days, Brett moved us over to mingle with the rest of the herd.

The last week of November, the weather started to get cold and snowy. The rest of the herd told us that it was time to move on to their winter home. Sure enough, Brett showed up early in the morning with the trailer and started moving about eight horses at a time to right near the airport at Outrun Farm. We have a couple huge pastures and the Florida River runs right through the farm. Keith and Mary, who own the farm, help out by feeding the herd twice a day and checking up on everyone to make sure they are healthy and happy. Brett comes over to walk through the whole herd every week.

After a pretty big snow storm at the end of the month and a really cold spell, the weather has turned quite mild. We have all grown our long coats of hair so we are very comfortable. When it was really cold, Brett put out some extra goodies for us to munch on between feedings. It has been super.

The other horses have been telling us about all the great guests who come to participate in the wonderful horseback riding vacation, and do lots of other activities. We are getting really excited about the summer. We can’t wait to meet the staff, get to know the trails and take the guests out for safe, educational and fun rides. We hope to see you this summer!

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Many folks ask us what we do in the winter, thinking we have the season off. Well, that is not quite true. While we do have shorter hours in the day and are not involved in running our multi-faceted program, we do have things to do. Winter at a Colorado dude ranch can keep several folks busy.

Of course, the horses need to be cared for. They serve us so well in the summer that they deserve the very best in their “off” time. First they go to pasture and romp and graze. Then when the snows fly, the majority of the herd gets moved to a slightly lower elevation where they have good shelter, water and are fed twice a day. Brett checks on them consistently. Our wonderful caretakers, Keith and Mary Fassbender, take care of feeding and checking on the horses daily.

Then we have the ranch itself to care for. Mike works on a variety of projects to bring the buildings and grounds to tip-top shape. When we get snow, he is right on top of plowing the driveway and he and Brett both move snow around the barns for the few horses that stay at the Colorado Trails barn all winter.

One of the fun perks we have during the winter is a chance to meet with other dude ranchers. Mike and Jeanne attend the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association’s winter retreat in November or December. This is more of a relaxing experience for the Colorado dude ranchers after their summer and fall seasons. We share ideas and talk about our experiences while having some play time.

In January, Brett and Jeanne attend The Dude Ranchers’ Association’s annual meeting. This year it was in Tucson at Tanque Verde Ranch. At these meetings, we again share ideas and learn new trends from experts in the travel business, insurance, legal and the like. We have an opportunity to visit with many of the venders from whom we purchase goods, anywhere from insurance to coffee mugs to T-shirts and towels.

Most importantly though, is the chance to visit with our dude ranch friends. We are probably one of the few industries where your competitors are your friends. We all have similar experiences and we all approach them differently. It is very refreshing to either learn a new way to handle an issue or also to see that someone else looked at an issue the same way you did.

In March, Mike and Jeanne will attend an additional meeting for the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association which is similar to The Dude Ranchers’ Association meeting, but shorter. Here we focus on the same issues, but especially related to our own state.

So, in addition to getting rested up, getting in new reservations and hiring staff, winter at a Colorado dude ranch is special….but it all is focused on what we need to do for our Colorado Trails Ranch guests who visit with us in the summer and fall.

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Food: A very important part of the dude ranch experience

As I was fixing my husband’s and my favorite breakfast for a Sunday morning, getting ready for all the Super Bowl hype, my mind wandered back to some summer memories. My mouth started watering, thinking about probably my favorite breakfast of eggs, grits and Navajo Fry Bread at Colorado Trails Ranch.

Our Saturday morning breakfast ride combines some all-time favorites of a guest ranch experience: A family ride into the woods, stopping by Shearer Creek for a great breakfast and then continuing the ride after breakfast, savoring a full stomach and beautiful scenery. What a wonderful way to begin the last day of activities of a week’s stay at Colorado Trails Ranch.

The families meet down at the barn to mount up on their favorite horse from the week. Then, in small groups, they ride out into the forest for about a half of an hour. They stop along Shearer Creek and the wranglers tie up their horses while they walk over to the cook-out area to pick up a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, maybe even some orange juice. They then stop by the grill and tell me how they want their eggs cooked. When the eggs are ready, they go on down the line and pick up some Navajo Fry Bread, grilled Kielbasa and some seasoned grits. They then stop at the serving table and load up on fresh fruit. The dude ranch guests then must decide what to put on top of the fry bread….what’s best: Cinnamon and sugar, honey, powdered sugar, butter, all of the above? Or, I like to have an over-easy egg on top of the fry bread. Some just can’t decide so they have one of each (or more).

As the sun dapples through the trees, our guests sit at tables by the creek and enjoy the breakfast and conversation with their new friends that they have spent a week with, participating in all sorts of activities. This is a fantastic part of a dude ranch vacation!

Below is our own special Navajo Fry Bread recipe that we have been serving our guest ranch guests and staff since the 1980’s. Enjoy!

NAVAJO FRY BREAD

2 cups flour                                         2 TBLS shortening

⅓ cup powdered milk                         ¾ to 1 cup warm water

2 tsp baking powder                            oil for frying

1 tsp salt

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Add water and mix until a soft dough forms.  Knead until dough is smooth and springy in texture. Cover and set aside for 30 to 45 minutes. Make into golf ball sized balls. Using both hands, stretch each ball into thin rounds, pulling between your fingers and the palm of your hands. Fry in oil at 365° until lightly browned, turning once. The oil should be about 1½-inches deep in pan. It is important to keep the oil hot. Serve with butter, honey, powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar. Or you can make larger balls and make the bread rounds larger. Then serve on a buffet with chili, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, sour cream, etc. This is called a Navajo Taco.

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When most people think of a dude ranch, they envision horseback riding. While we offer plenty of the equestrian recreation for all skill levels, Colorado Trails Ranch provides so much more. Fishing expeditions, white water rafting, hiking through wooded and mountain nature trails and power tubing deliver the action and adventure that outdoor enthusiasts crave.

For those who prefer relaxing in the fresh air and sunshine, our lending library provides reading material to enjoy on your cabin porch or by the pool. Unwind in our hot tub or indulge in a sweet treat in our nostalgic soda fountain. Catch up on your email communications through our lounge’s wireless Internet access.

We host a number of activities to keep children of all age groups happy and occupied throughout their stay, including arts and crafts, a visit to our petting zoo, hayrides, sports, scavenger hunts, archery and an overnight campout. Even your teens will be hard pressed to pull out their mobile devices except to boast all of the cool, new things that they are trying.

Situated in a valley that borders the San Juan National Forest, Colorado Trails Ranch abounds with lush scenery and sweeping, panoramic mountain views for breathtaking photographic opportunities. We also provide daytime excursions for guests to revel in the charms of Durango’s shopping village or delve into the scenic beauty and ancient history of the Mesa Verde National Park.

Spectacular evening sunsets usher in a host of communal activities, including ice cream socials, barbecue cookouts, country dancing, theatrical shows, campfires and hayrides. For couples that wish to steal away some romantic quality time, we also provide activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Whether you choose to engage in the action from sunrise to sunset or prefer some quiet time for reflection, you are entirely free to enjoy yourself. Our all inclusive family vacations strive to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Lodging feels like home in our cozy guest ranch cabins. The culinary artistry of our talented chef provides delectable meals that every guest will savor. If a member of your family requires any dietary restrictions, our chef will gladly accommodate.

Colorado Trails Ranch takes the mystery out of selecting a ranch for your next vacation. From romantic getaways and family reunion events to motivational business retreats and rewarding family vacations, let us help you plan your perfect dude ranch getaway for memories that will endure for a lifetime.

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With the frenetic pace of so many people working longer hours and taking on hectic schedules, planning a reunion can quickly morph into an organizational headache. Our all inclusive reunions eliminate most of these hassles by providing numerous activities that will appeal to every age group from toddler and teen to adult and great grandparent. We also provide charming lodging and delectable meals. You send the invitations, reserve your dates and party size, and we will do the rest. All your family has to do then is show up and reap the joys of an enriching and wonderful time.

The decline in family reunions has also been attributed to today’s mobility of the working family, with members being dispersed throughout the world. Providing a destination gathering at the dude ranch Colorado Trails offers the family an appealing vacation getaway option filled with opportunities for family members to reconnect and to experience the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air of the great outdoors.

All inclusive reunions at the Colorado Trails Ranch provide activities for every generation of your extended family. There is such an abundant choice of options. During the day, family members can break off into groups to embark on adventures and recreational pastimes that appeal to them, from fishing expeditions in the surrounding mountain streams and rivers to horseback riding for every skill level through breathtaking trails. Those who opt to relax and catch up on family news and gossip can bask in the sun while the youngest members splash in the pool, share laughs over lemonade on the cabin porch or engage in a friendly game of horseshoe tossing. Choose a day trip for the entire family to venture on an off-site excursion of souvenir shopping in Durango or explore the sites and history of Mesa Verde National Park.

As dusk approaches, the family comes together at the ranch dinners and cookouts for the family tradition of catching up. The fun of such activities as line dancing or campfire sing-alongs is contagious and no family member will be able to resist joining in. The benefits of family reunions truly shine over meals and evening activities as generations blend together to exchange tales of memories past, pass along tidbits of family history, share pride in recent family milestones and accomplishments and create heartwarming new memories that will be cherished into the next generations.

Colorado Trails Ranch can accommodate groups of any size. In addition to reunions, we also welcome businesses for company events and corporate retreats. Our recreational activities inspire teamwork and communication to nurture productive and positive relationships between company members.

For an enjoyable and memorable event, call us today to set up your family reunion or business retreat.

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We provide accommodations with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. Our cozy guest ranch cabins, nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of the great outdoors, beckon rest and relaxation. From the first cup of morning java through the night’s dessert indulgence, our chef prepares scrumptious meals for you to savor as you fuel up for the activities ahead.

Our dude ranch promises a vacation that is packed with activities and fun for you and your loved ones. Enjoy some adventure in nature’s scenic backdrop while horseback riding, fishing and hiking through forest and mountain trails. The rivers and mountain streams are teeming with trout to keep fishing enthusiasts engaged for hours. If you have never cast a fishing line or mounted a horse, don’t fret. We offer fishing courses and provide horseback riding opportunities for every skill level from novice to expert.

At Colorado Trails Ranch, we acknowledge that rugged adventure is not everyone’s idea of a relaxing vacation. If you prefer to spend down time unwinding, try an invigorating soak in the guest ranch hot tub, or soak up the sun’s rays over an engaging book from the ranch library.

Other activities at our dude ranch include archery and trap shooting, and we provide volleyball and basketball courts and horseshoe pits to nurture a friendly competition. There are also plenty of excursions available to shop for souvenirs in Durango’s charming boutiques, explore ancient ruins of the Pueblos at the nearby Mesa Verde National Park and board a train for a scenic ride through Durango to Silverton.

There are plenty of activities for all guests to keep the good times rolling after the sun goes down. Kick up your heels for a lively evening of square and country line dancing.

In today’s struggling economy, taking a vacation can be a challenge. To help you buck that challenge, we are offering 20 percent off of your reservation anytime from August 25^th through September 22^nd, 2013 for a full week stay. There is still time to take advantage of this special. For outdoor splendor, adventuresome fun and memories to be created, book your discounted all-inclusive vacation this year at the Colorado Trails Ranch today.

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At our guest ranch, we believe that vacations should be stress-free in every way, including the food. Every meal you have at Colorado Trails is easy and tasty at the same time; all you have to do is show up!

Most of the meals are served in our dining room but we do have four cookouts during the week plus a lunch ride.

Breakfast

Breakfasts at our Colorado dude ranch are light or hearty, depending on what you choose to eat. You can choose between options such as homemade granola, fresh fruit and yogurt, or you can opt for hot food selections, such as homemade waffles, french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh cinnamon rolls and biscuits. If you want to try a breakfast item that’s unique to our region, try the Navajo fry bread during one of our cookout breakfasts.

Lunch

Lunch will also consist of a variety of good foods to choose from. If you like Philly cheesesteaks, you’ll love our chef’s version. Homemade pizzas, burgers and veggie burgers are also an option. Our taco bars are a favorite with guests; our salad bar is another option for those who want to eat light and healthy.

Lunch also comes with a few dessert options; the fresh-from-the-oven brownies, cookies and lemon bars are very popular among our guests.

Dinner

Expect a nice entree at dinner time. Prime rib, salmon, pork and chicken are commonly seen on our dinner table. Green salads, pasta dishes and fresh vegetables are also included.

Cookouts

Our all inclusive vacation packages also include a couple of breakfast cookouts and a couple of dinner cookouts at different points during the week. This is a chance for you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors and have a picnic-style meal.

If a member of your party has any special dietary needs, just let us know in advance and we’ll be sure to accommodate you. All in all, we think you’ll be as enamored with our food as you are with our horseback riding and fishing when you come to Colorado Trails.

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Bird House Layout

The new Bird House cabin at our guest ranch has two bedrooms and a central living room. One bedroom has a king-size bed; the other bedroom has a queen-size bed along with one twin bed. Both bedrooms have their own covered porches, which are accessible both from the bedroom and from the living room. The porches provide beautiful views and are a great place to relax in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the evening with a glass of wine.

Each bedroom also includes its own bathroom with a tiled shower stall. The showers are fed with a tankless water heater, which means that both showers can be run at once, followed by more showers, without anyone ever running out of hot water.

The living room is spacious and comfortable. The over-stuffed chairs and sofa are great places to sit down for a game of cards; a Keurig coffee machine in the living area also means that fresh, hot coffee and tea are available at any time.

When we built the Bird House, we also added more insulation than our other, older cabins have. We’re hoping that the added insulation will make the cabin more energy efficient, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the fall.

To top it all off, the new cabin is fully handicap accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy Colorado Trails’ all inclusive family vacations.

Along with the Bird House cabin, the Lake and Mountain cabins are both new this year, too, with more spacious bedrooms, bathrooms and also with living rooms and covered porches.

A Combination of Comfort and Fun

Whether you choose the Bird House cabin or one of our other cabins, you’ll find cleanliness and comfort awaiting you, giving your family the perfect place to rest at the end of a long day of old-fashioned fun on our dude ranch. During the day, you and your family will enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking and games; in the evenings, you’ll be able to come “home” to the privacy of your family’s comfortable cabin. We hope you’ll consider the Bird House, Longview, Alpine, Country, Lake or Mountain cabins your home away from home while you’re at Colorado Trails.

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We have a long history of offering excellent all inclusive family vacations at Colorado Trails; this summer will mark our 52nd season in business. Whether you’ve been to our ranch before or you’ve never had a dude ranch experience, we hope you’ll bring the family out to Colorado Trails this summer for an unforgettable vacation.

The Horses Are Waiting

If you like horseback riding, you’ll love Colorado Trails. Our herd of 70 horses have been at their “winter homes,” but they’re on their way back now and they eagerly await your return. With so many experienced horses and horse wranglers, we have a horse to suit every rider. It doesn’t matter if you have plenty of experience riding horses or you’re a first-time rider; at Colorado Trails, you will find a horse that you can ride and bond with.

The Fish Are Waiting, Too (Albeit Less Eagerly)

Horseback riding isn’t the only outdoor activity our visitors enjoy. The stocked pond and mountain streams surrounding our ranch are ideal for fly fishing. We have catch-and-release hooks that won’t even hurt the fish, if that’s the sort of thing that concerns you or members of your family.

In addition to horseback riding and fly fishing, our other ranch activities include trap shooting, swimming, rafting and more.

Take a Hayride or Catch a Play

After a long day spent enjoying fun activities and good company, you can relax with a hayride under a starry sky, join in for a campfire sing-along, visit our Opera House for some square dancing or head into town to watch one of the fun and famous Durango Melodramas.

Sleep Soundly

When your evening is over, lay your head down on a comfortable pillow on a comfortable bed. This winter, we’ve replaced some of our older cabins with brand new ones to accommodate both small and large family gatherings.

As you can tell from this long list, even the most active and hard-to-please member of your family will stay entertained during your Colorado Trails vacation. If you’re up for an early visit, you can take advantage of our 15 percent discount during the first two weeks of June for full week stays. If you prefer the end of the season, we also offer a 10 to 20 percent discount for full week stays for the week of August 11^th (10%) and in September (20%). See our rate sheet for more information.

We hope you’ll decide to join us for our 52nd season at Colorado Trails. We know that if you do, you’ll be back for the 53rd season, the 54th season, the 55th season, the… well, you get the idea!

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Q: Don’t the horses get cold during the winter?

A: Most breeds of horses naturally adjust to colder seasonal temperatures. Just as you might trade your windbreaker in for your winter coat once the weather begins to turn, a horse’s coat begins to grow out when the days get shorter. This longer, thicker coat helps the horses stay warm during the cold months.

Q: What about using horse blankets?

A: Although you may sometimes see horses with blankets on during the winter, most breeds of horses actually don’t require a horse blanket to stay warm. Besides their thicker coat that grows during the winter, their circulatory system also automatically shunts blood away from the surface of the skin to increase blood flow and heat to vital organs. In other words, although a horse’s skin may feel cold during the winter, his core temperature remains stable.

Q: Do they stay at the ranch all winter?

A: At Colorado Trails, most of our horses have a “winter home” away from the ranch where they can have their own dude ranch vacation — that is, they take a vacation from our dude ranch! We do keep a few horses on-site; a couple of our horses are known as “hard keepers.” A “hard keeper” is a horse who usually needs a little bit of extra T.L.C. to stay healthy and happy. Our head wrangler, Jessalin, keeps these hard keepers in the barn during the winter where she can keep a close eye on them.

Q: Do the horses get enough attention during the winter?

A: If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know that his pack-animal tendencies mean that he needs plenty of love and attention in order to remain happy and healthy. The same is true with horses. As herd animals, horses easily become lonely and unhappy if they have no other horses or humans to keep them company.

For this reason, we make sure that all our horses, both the horses who stay at Colorado Trails and the horses who go to their “winter home” get plenty of attention during the off-season. More than 50 of our horses spend the winter with a former employee of Colorado Trails; another 18 stay at our ranch.

By the time you return to Colorado Trails this spring or summer, the horses will be back at the ranch with trimmed hooves and new shoes and ready to take you horseback riding around the San Juan Mountains. We all look forward to seeing you and your family.

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